
Our duty to remind the new generations of the Emergency: BJP MP
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Khatana recalled the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which lasted for 21 months and saw a 'blatant suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, and democratic rights.'
He termed it as the 'blackest period in independent India' and paid tribute to all those who resisted authoritarian rule and sacrificed their freedom to uphold the Constitution and democratic values.
"The Emergency was a direct attack on the soul of our democracy. It is our duty to remind the new generations of this betrayal of constitutional governance," he said.
"Today, we rededicate ourselves to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of our citizens, as envisioned by our Constitution makers."
MP Khatana emphasised the role of BJP as the true guardian of democracy, tracing its ideological lineage to the Jana Sangh, which was at the forefront of the resistance movement during the Emergency.
He also lauded the sacrifices made by thousands of party workers, social activists, and opposition leaders who were jailed, tortured, and silenced during this period.
He further added that the observance of Emergency Day is not just an act of remembrance but also a warning against any future attempts to undermine democracy.
Earlier BJP J&K organised a solemn programme in Srinagar on the 50 years after the Emergency.
The event, organised by the BJP Senior Leader, DDC Srinagar Er. Aijaz Hussain, along with the BJP Lal Chowk Constituency, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of party members, karyakartas, and local leaders. Khatana was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Ashok Koul, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) J&K along with several leaders were also present on the occasion.
Koul in his address said, BJP's commitment to protect the rights of citizens and to continue the mission of strengthening democracy across all corners of the nation, including Jammu & Kashmir.
'Today we remember those who stood up against injustice during the Emergency. We must ensure that such an undemocratic move is never repeated in the history of our nation, Koul added. UNI MJR SSP

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
a few seconds ago
- Indian Express
Parliament Monsoon Session Day 6 LIVE: Parliament to hold 16-hour debate on Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, PM Modi to speak
Parliament Monsoon Session LIVE News Updates: After a week of repeated disruptions and adjournments, the Lok Sabha is set to hold a fiery debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor today (July 28). Discussion on US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor will also be taken up today. The Rajya Sabha is scheduled to take up the discussion on the matter on Tuesday. 16-hour debate: Both sides have agreed to a marathon 16-hour debate in each House. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will speak on the issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to intervene. In addition, the ruling NDA is expected to field its members from the seven multi-party delegations that travelled to over 30 world capitals to present India's case following Operation Sindoor. Whether the Congress will allow Shashi Tharoor to speak on the matter remains uncertain, as he has been at odds with his party after praising the Modi government's handling of the situation while leading a delegation to the US and other countries.


India.com
a few seconds ago
- India.com
P Chidambaram's ‘Homegrown Terrorists' Remark Sparks Political Firestorm Ahead Of Op Sindoor Debate
New Delhi: A massive political storm has erupted ahead of the Operation Sindoor debate in Parliament, following remarks made by senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram. In a recent interview with The Quint, Chidambaram questioned the official narrative surrounding the Pahalgam terror attack and suggested that the attackers could have been "homegrown terrorists." "Have they identified the terrorists? Where they came from? I mean, for all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do you assume that they came from Pakistan? There's no evidence of that," Chidambaram said, adding that the government has been unwilling to disclose what the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found so far. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from the ruling BJP, which has accused the Congress of once again 'giving a clean chit' to Pakistan. Reacting to Chidambaram's remarks, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said on X, "P Chidambaram, former UPA-era Home Minister and the original proponent of the infamous 'Saffron Terror' theory, covers himself with glory yet again: Have they (NIA) identified the terrorists or where they came from? For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do you assume they came from Pakistan? There is no evidence of that." "Once again, the Congress rushes to give a clean chit to Pakistan, this time after the Pahalgam terror attack. Why is it that every time our forces confront Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Congress leaders sound more like Islamabad's defence lawyers than India's opposition?" Malviya added. "When it comes to national security, there should be no ambiguity. But with the Congress, there never is – they always bend over backwards to protect the enemy," he said. P. Chidambaram, former UPA-era Home Minister and the original proponent of the infamous 'Saffron Terror' theory, covers himself with glory yet again: 'Have they (NIA) identified the terrorists or where they came from? For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do… — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 27, 2025 BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed the criticism, saying, '26/11 to Surgical Strike to Pahalgam, Congress ka haath, Pakistan ke saath!' He accused the Congress of siding with Pakistan just hours before the crucial Parliament debate on Operation Sindoor. Chidambaram also alleged that the government is concealing details about India's counter-offensive, Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam massacre in which 26 civilians were killed in front of their families. He said the Centre was 'hiding the losses' India suffered during the operation. "They are also hiding the losses. I said it in a column that in a war, losses will occur on both sides. I understand that India would have suffered losses. Be upfront," Chidambaram said. Referencing World War II, he added: "Winston Churchill in World War II made a statement every other day. Whatever losses they suffered, Britain suffered; they made it plain. Therefore, they are reluctant to admit the losses. But losses are inevitable and natural in a war. So, admit the losses. I think they think they can put a large shroud on Operation Sindoor. It won't work." He further questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the issue: "And why is the Prime Minister not speaking on Operation Sindoor? Why do you think there's a reluctance to have a debate in the temple of democracy? That's what Parliament is. After all, Prime Minister Modi has addressed the nation. He's addressed various rallies." Chidambaram also raised questions about the ceasefire, implying that it wasn't initiated by India. "Because let's be honest, it was not the Indian government that announced it. It was Donald Trump," he claimed. Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood backed Chidambaram's statements, turning the criticism back on the government. "You stopped the forces. You brought India and Pakistan to the same level on the global stage. The terrorists are still alive. Aren't you ashamed? If the Pahalgam killers are alive, every Indian should be ashamed," Masood said. As the Parliament debate on Operation Sindoor begins, Chidambaram's comments are expected to be a major flashpoint between the ruling party and the Opposition.


India.com
a few seconds ago
- India.com
Parliament Monsoon Session Live: Lok Sabha to hold special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor' today
Parliament Session 2025 Live Updates: After a week of interruptions, Parliament's Monsoon Session is finally expected to return to regularity today with a major debate likely to be on the agenda. The two key issues on the national security and foreign affairs agenda are the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Both the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Opposition are bracing for a fierce exchange in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha to hold special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor' today Lok Sabha is set to hold a special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor', India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on Monday. A fiery debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor is expected to unfold in Parliament, between top leaders from the ruling alliance and the Opposition. Lok Sabha List of Business for Monday states, 'Special Discussion on India's strong, successful and decisive 'Operation Sindoor' in response to terrorist attack in Pahalgam'. Twenty-six civilians were killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, after which India retaliated through precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Stay tuned for major updates about the Parliament Monsoon Session Twenty-six civilians were killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, after which India retaliated through precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Even since the monsoon session began on July 21, the Parliament has witnessed constant adjourments amid uproar over the demands of the opposition to push for a debate on issues of public importance, including the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack and the ongoing SIR exercise being carried out by the Election Commission in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.